I’d say last week was a good week of training minus the fact that my shins were (and still are) killing me. I don’t get what’s going on but I know the culprit is extremely tight calves. I’m hoping having today off from running will help a little bit…but we’ll see. Okay here is last week’s training:

Monday: 2 easy miles. I wanted to test out the Nike Lunarglides but didn’t end up liking them. Too stiff for me.

Tuesday: Track workout. 2 mile warm up, then 2×1 mile repeats at 8:45 per mile. Was supposed to do 3 repeats but it started downpouring. Well it was downpouring in the beginning which was fine (I felt pretty hardcore!), but then thunder and lightning started so that was my cue to leave.

Wednesday: Off Thursday: Since I knew I was running a 5K over the weekend, I did my longer run here. I was supposed to run 10 miles this week but opted to do 7 because I wanted to be fresh for the 5K. As I’ve mentioned before, my main goal during this training is to beat my 5K PR…the half marathon is just a bonus! We did a hilly 7 mile run but felt pretty good. I love running in the fall!

Friday: Easy 4 miles. Shins were hurting a bit. Slower pace – nothing great about this run, just getting it done.

Saturday: I was supposed to run 3-4 miles but I knew my body and shins needed a break. I was EXHAUSTED and my legs were just in pain. Always listen to your body. If you need a rest day just take it!

Sunday: 5K race. Ran it in 27:47! My last 5K about a month ago was 28:35. Slowly improving and slowly getting back to where I want to be.

Here’s the full recap:

The 5K was called the Rutgers Against Hunger 5K and was held at the football stadium at Rutgers. I expected a pretty flat course but there were a few inclines thrown in there, but nothing crazy. Both my mom and dad ran it as well!

I didn’t have a lot of time to warm up so I jogged for about 10 minutes then did some dynamic drills. And then we were off!

According to my mom’s RunKeeper, we hit mile 1 in 8:22. After that, I don’t know my splits because I forgot my watch and there were no clocks on the course, and my mom was behind me after mile 1. I was totally running by feel, which was…interesting

A little before mile 2 I started struggling a bit. I was feeling tired but told myself I could do it. That the 5K is meant to be challenging. To push myself. So I kept going. I actually ran most of the way with this other man, and then I backed off a bit. But once I gave myself a pep talk I caught back up to him and he was like “There’s my friend!” So we stuck together until about 1/2 mile to go, when he said, “I’m trying to figure out when to empty the tank!” to which I said, “Same!”

With 1/2 mile or so to go I tried to pick it up, and with a 1/4 mile to go I gave it all I had. Once I saw the finish line I sped up as much as possible, and someone yelled out, “Way to go!! Keep that pace!”. It was pretty cool because as I finished, there was no one really around me. So it felt like everyone was cheering for just me. That’s what it must feel like to win a race! lol

Right after I finished, the man I ran with finished too and came over to high five me and say good job. As I always say, this is why I love the running community!! Oh let’s talk about my dad for a second. He finished in 24:45 or so. His fastest time ever!! I was really proud of him. He hasn’t been running regularly, but he has started lifting most days and doing hill sprints. I think that has really helped him. My mom finished in 28:20ish and got 3rd in her age group! All around a great day for running.

This past week I’ve been moving and it took up more time than I had thought it would. For some reason in my mind I thought you just move a bunch of stuff in, take a day to organize and you’re set. NOPE.

So I haven’t gotten a ton of runs in. But here is what I did last week:

Monday: Upper body strength training + 20 min. bike. I’ve been doing a strength training routine with my sister and her goal has been to get stronger at bench press. It’s crazy how your body gets stronger every week. The first week she could only do 4-5 reps of just the bar, and in this 4th week she was easily doing 10 reps of just the bar for a few sets and then adding 5 lbs.!

Tuesday: Off because of 5K on Wednesday.

Wednesday: Impromptu 5K (here’s the recap). I found this on Monday. It’s a local 5K and it was only $10 so why not?! It’s just a bunch of runners who get together to run on an XC course. I forgot how tough it is to run cross country. My mom and sister came too. I felt strong throughout but finishing in 30:44. That’s faaaarrrr from my PR of 25:43…but I’m hoping to get back into that kind of shape with Coach Marc.

Thursday: Off (moving stuff, cleaning, etc.)

Friday: 3 mile run. I found a lake in my area that is a great place to run – I’m excited to go there more often. 1 loop is 2.6 miles which is perfect! Good for doing a short 3 miler or a longer run too.

Saturday: 30 min. XT (swimming). Went to the pool with my mom to swim laps. I did a 2 laps with the kickboard and 3 laps normal swimming. I really don’t know how all your triathletes do this because I swim from one end to the other and need a break to catch my break! Added in some pull-ups on the diving board for some strength training

Sunday: Was supposed to do 4.5 miles but was out all day buying supplies and what not for my apartment. Sorry Marc!

Oh I also got new sneakers this week! Is there anything better than getting a brand new pair of running shoes?

I love my New Balance shoes. My last pair was the first time I’ve bought NB and I don’t think I’m going to switch again. I have absolutely no issues with them. Please, please, please do not do an upgrade and totally change them!

What is your favorite brand of running sneakers?

Do you prefer trail running or running on pavement? There are some trails by me now but I’m kinda nervous to run on them!